Sicily Halts Outdoor Work During Heat Peaks Until Aug 31

The president of the Sicilian Region, Renato Schifani, signed an urgent ordinance that bans work in conditions exposing workers to prolonged sun between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in high‑risk zones. The ban applies to sectors such as construction, agriculture, quarries and logistics, and explicitly includes bicycle couriers (“riders”). It remains in force until 31 August and is based on the regional heat‑risk map, which flags periods of “high” risk when intense physical activity is combined with strong sunlight.

Employers must adopt organizational and operational measures to keep thermal‑stress levels acceptable under Italian workplace‑safety law (Legislative Decree 81/2008). The prohibition does not cover public administration services, public‑service contractors, or activities related to public utilities, civil protection, or public safety, though those entities must still mitigate heat exposure where necessary.